Knowing Right from Wrong

This blog entry is in response to discussion question #4 from the book, The Gospel According to Larry, by Janet Tashjian (Dell Laurel-Leaf, 2001).

Two hundred years ago, it would be fairly easy for the "common man" to explain the basics of right and wrong -- he would give you the list of do's and don'ts from the Ten Commandments. Today, there is a great deal more grey area in morality. However, the common man would still probably cite four of the commandments -- Thou shalt not Kill, Thou shalt not Steal, Thou shalt not Commit Adultery, Thou shalt not Bear False Witness (which people translate to mean lying). These moral imperatives have become the ethical framework for our societal living. Regardless on one's religion, in our society we all live under this list of "don'ts".

Josh Swenson isn't the sort of guy one would call immoral or unethical. In fact, as the cyber-philosoper "Larry", Josh frequently rails against the media and big business for deceiving society. However, curiosity gets the better of Josh (did he not read the story of Eve and the apple?), and he looks in his step-father's briefcase. He steals the information he finds there and exploits it. Josh knew he was commiting a wrong when he did it, but his youthful impetuousness (and drive to win Beth's heart) overcome his sense of morality. The aftermath of Josh's breach of ethics could be likened to a snowball rolling down a mountain. The situation gets entirely out of hand, and Josh gets backed into a corner. So, he does what many of us do -- whatever he can think of at the moment to get out of the bind. In Josh's case, he begins lying; and, the more he lies, the more his life runs out of control. In the end, Josh's way of life, his friendships and his step-father's career are all destroyed due to the first moment of information theft and the ensuing lies trying to cover it all up.

Just like so many of us, Josh behaves in an unethical manner even though he is a good person at heart. However, an unethical act is just that - unethical. The attitude of a person creating an immoral act does not reduce its immorality. The question of whether or not Josh commits an unethical act gives rise to many eternal philosphical debates -- is utilitarianism correct? Are followers of Immanuel Kant correct? Do consequentialists have the right idea? In my opinion, however, Josh's actions could not be considered moral by any of these philosophical theories... his motivations were not "pure," he used others for his own gain, he certainly did not bring about good for the majority of people, and the consquences of his actions were, well - disastrous.

Was Larry just another cyber geek?

This blog entry is in response to discussion question #5 from the book, The Gospel According to Larry, by Janet Tashjian (Dell Laurel-Leaf, 2001).

Poor "Larry". He's in love with the girl next door but she's in love with brawn. It's a classic tale -- young Josh Swenson is an intelligent guy, with lots of heart, but afraid to approach the girl he likes because she doesn't seem interested. Instead, Josh creates "Larry," a cyber-philosopher who publically voices all the ideas and thoughts his love interest (Beth) finds important. Deep down, Josh hopes that Beth will fall in love with Larry and, once she discovers who Larry is, fall in love with Josh. But, also in classic fashion, things go awry.

Josh is in some ways the typical geek 17 year old. He's smart, funny, passionate about his beliefs, and at war with the establishment. He's also lonely. Josh never knew his Dad and his Mom recently died from cancer. He's being raised by his stepfather, who is a nice-enough guy, but embodies the materialism that Josh detests. But, Josh is also phenomenally brilliant. He is able to understand and accomplish things most adults could not. His superior intelligence, as with many young geniuses, gets him into trouble.

Beth becomes everything to Josh. He loves her. He trusts her. She is his confidante, sounding board, and best friend (not to mention the object of his fantasies). Unrequited love is a powerful motivator. It has created some of the world's finest poetry and art. Josh would do anything to make Beth happy and garner her attenttion. He is, however, too afraid to tell Beth how he feels. Instead, Josh goes to great lengths to create the cyber-philosopher Larry. If he had expressed his feelings to Beth early in their relationship, Larry would never have existed.

Diving into the Deep End

It's Wednesday evening at 7:42. I'm sitting in a class learning to become a technology specialist. Amazing to me. Two years ago, I could not have imagined my life today, this class, the direction of my future. What did I do on Wednesday nights then? Or even last year?

I'm jumping into the deep end of the pool - the instructional technology pool. I now begin my first blog. This will be my reflections on a YA book The Gospel According to Larry (Tashjian, J., Randomhouse Children's Books, 2001). Woohoo!